Shrimp Chili Cornbread Casserole

Shrimp Chili Cornbread Casserole

10 Reviews

From: EatingWell Magazine, October/November 2006

Here we make a low-fat shrimp and vegetable chili (which is quite tasty on its own) and top it with a layer of golden cornbread for a delicious casserole that can be made ahead. The dish serves 12, so it's just right for serving to a crowd gathered to watch a Sunday afternoon game on TV.

Preparation

To prepare filling: Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring often, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Stir in zucchini; cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Stir in chili powder, cumin, cinnamon and 1 teaspoon salt; cook for 20 seconds. Pour in tomatoes and their juice; bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat. Stir in shrimp and cilantro. Pour into a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.

Preheat oven to 350°F.

To prepare cornbread topping: Whisk cornmeal, flour, baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Whisk milk, ¼ cup oil, egg and honey in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Drop by heaping tablespoons over the shrimp mixture.

Bake the casserole, uncovered, until the top is browned and the filling is bubbling, 40 to 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Make Ahead Tip: Bake, let cool for 1 hour, cover with parchment paper then foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat, covered, in a preheated 350°F oven for 1 hour.

Ingredient note: Shrimp is usually sold by the number needed to make one pound. For example, “21-25 count” means there will be 21 to 25 shrimp in a pound. Size names, such as “large” or “extra large,” are not standardized, so to be sure you're getting the size you want, order by the count (or number) per pound. Both wild-caught and farm-raised shrimp can damage the surrounding ecosystems when not managed properly. Fortunately, it is possible to buy shrimp that have been raised or caught with sound environmental practices. Look for fresh or frozen shrimp certified by an independent agency, such as Wild American Shrimp or Marine Stewardship Council. If you can't find certified shrimp, choose wild-caught shrimp from North Americait's more likely to be sustainably caught.

Reviews 10

too much cinnamon
the cornbread was a bit bland and the cinnamon was way too strong, but it would be a very tasty dish if those two things were improved upon.

September 13, 2012

By: EatingWell User

Unskilled at cooking and made this successfully
This is the best thing I've made for dinner from the eating well recipes. Really filling, super delicious, the cornbread that soaks up the chili is like polenta and super tastey, while the golden brown cornbread top is also great. Can't wait to make this again. Best friend, girlfriend, and brother all enjoyed eating it.
Pros: DELICIOUS, HEALTHY but doesn't taste like diet food
Cons: Takes a while to cut up all of the veggies, requires a dutch oven larger than 2.75 qts

December 23, 2011

By: EatingWell User

The dish was okay. The cinnamon was too strong, and the cornbread was bland. Saw that somebody used jiffy...bet that would be good. I would also make separate from chili because it soaked up all the juice.

November 23, 2011

By: EatingWell User

A New Holiday Tradition
My mother and sister are fish-eating vegetarians, so about 4 years ago I made this recipe for Thanksgiving. We are all shrimp-lovers, and I have made this dish every Thanksgiving since. It is a holiday staple around our household. I add a large jalapeno to kick up the spice a little and serve it with sour cream. There is rarely anything left!!
Pros: filling, savory, meat-less

November 16, 2011

By: EatingWell User

AWESOME!
I used Trader Joes Corn Bread Mix and added more shrimp. It was wonderful!

November 07, 2011

By: EatingWell User

TITLE SHOULD INCLUDE AWESOME
I made only 1/2 of a recipe, I did add about 50% more shrimp, everything else followed the recipe. I could not believe the wonderful flavors!!!! I am not a cook, I am just a guy who cooks but I am so proud to say, I made this. I can't wait for leftovers tonight. I cannot wait to make this for company.
Pros: PERFECTLY DELICIOUS
Cons: absolutely none, well maybe I could not stop eating!

October 19, 2010

By: EatingWell User

We really liked this and will make it again. My husband and daughter wouldn't eat the leftovers though. The cornbread soaked up the liquid - it reminded me of polenta with shrimp. Which I liked & was fine with, but my husband & daughter won't eat polenta.... I think next time I make it, I'll do the cornbread separate (as mentioned in another review). See how that works.

March 24, 2010

By: EatingWell User

I made it just as the recipe directs, and it was great! Although I did lighten up on the cinnamon as suggested. Add Louisiana Hot Sauce when serving...they go great together.

January 26, 2010

By: EatingWell User

Zucchini is not our favorite but all the flavors blended so well that no one even cared about its presence. Very delicious and fragrant. Definitely will make again. However, I used 2 Jiffy corn bread mixes to speed up the process. Yummm!